Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosts reception for former DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, recipient of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
2026/2/10
On 9 February 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted a reception at his residence to congratulate former Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista on his conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star as part of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.
Mr. Bautista served as Secretary of Transportation from 2022 to 2025, strengthening relations between Japan and the Philippines in the transportation sector, particularly aviation and railways. Notably, his efforts contributed to the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) operation and management, which is expected to advance developments in the Philippine aviation sector.
In recognition of his achievements, the medal and certificate were presented to Mr. Bautista.
During the reception, Ambassador Endo delivered his congratulatory remarks commending Mr. Bautista’s contributions to further deepening Japan-Philippines relations, and was followed by Mr. Bautista’s acceptance speech. Mr. Angelito Alvarez,General Manager of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), also delivered his congratulatory message and led the toast.
Approximately 50 guests from diverse fields attended the reception to celebrate the award, including Mr. Bautista’s family and Philippine government officials such as Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, business leaders, and representatives of Japanese companies.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines reiterates its deep respect and gratitude for Mr. Bautista’s contributions to date.
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